Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s novels about the heroic vampire, Count Saint-Germain, tend to follow a certain pattern and this one is no exception. In most of her books the vampire is living in exile, he rescues a woman in danger and in spite of his kind and charitable nature he attracts suspicion and runs afoul of the authorities.
What sets her novels apart is the historical detail. Each book transports readers to a different era and place and Yarbro’s research is meticulous. The romance and vampirism take a back seat to the history lesson. In ROMAN DUSK Yarbro’s lyrical prose and absorbing narrative paints a vivid portrait of the Counts activities, and a detailed picture of life in the Roman Empire of 160 AD emerges.
Ragoczy Germainus Sanct-Franciscus, a vampire living in third-century Rome, is tending to an ailing noblewoman, the well-to-do Domina Adicia, This is not your typical alpha-male bloodsucker. Sanct-Franciscus is compassionate and noble – a merchant and a healer. The woman’s virgin daughter, Ignatia tempts him into a romantic interlude. He’s accused of corrupting the daughter and her zealous brother threatens to destroy him. Meanwhile as a foreigner, he comes under scrutiny of a corrupt tax collector who targets him for tax evasion and a spy is placed in his household. He intends to leave Rome, but Ignatia’s brother, a fanatical convert to Christianity, has other plans for him. And Sanct-Franciscus finds his life is threatened by the true death – fire.
There’s more political maneuvering than action, but the plot is still engrossing. The setting is authentic down to the smallest detail – politics, food, and style of dress. A glossary and gazetteer are included for those unfamiliar with the time period. Some readers may find the attention to detail and vocabulary distracting – but history buffs will be thrilled.
ISBN: 978-0765313935
Publisher: TOR (Jan 2008)
Pages: 352
ROMAN DUSK - A Novel of the Heroic Vampire, Count Saint-Germain
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